Hungary Seizes $19.5 Million in Ex-Minister Probe

Hungarian authorities seized nearly $20 million in cash during searches in Budapest and three counties, finding it buried in forests and hidden in buildings, homes and safes. The seizure is part of a criminal investigation into former National Development Minister Miklós Seszták, who is suspected of taking bribes and kickbacks related to state bus purchases and construction projects. The cash was transferred to the State Treasury, where employees spent eight hours counting it. The case is among a widening set of corruption investigations launched under Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who has pledged to pursue alleged abuses under Viktor Orbán’s government; Orbán has previously called the probes political persecution.